It was a bad day to be a chicken in Fresno. Thousands of people waited in long-lines and triple-digit heat to eat at Chick-Fil-A and support its C.E.O., who's recently been blasted for saying he supports "traditional marriage."More >>
FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
Fresno's gay and lesbian community strikes back at Chick–fil–A. At one point more than 100 demonstrators waved signs and American flags in front of the restaurant and along Blackstone Avenue. It was peaceful and without incident and organizers believe they delivered home their message.
Fresno's gay and lesbian community and supporters of marriage equality got active just about dinner time. Their signs were meant to deliver a message to Chick–fil–A's CEO who supports traditional marriage. They read we all deserve the freedom to marry, and liberty justice and marriage equality.
Briana Zweifler is a demonstrator from Fresno. "I think we have the right to be out here and say we disagree and this is what we want. We believe in people having the freedom to love whoever they want."
"Can I get everyone who wants to take part in the kiss in to line up here?" It was billed as a demonstration and "kiss in" but Chick–fil–A didn't allow news cameras inside the restaurant. That didn't stop demonstrators from carrying out their mission on the street.
Caleb Robinson of Fresno waved a love sign during the demonstration. "Contributing millions toward inequality is very anti–Christian and in a free society I don't think anybody should be getting in anybody's way."
Wednesday, supporters of traditional marriage created long lines outside the restaurant and the drive thru most of the day.
Still, Gay Fresno liked what it saw Friday night. "Yeah I guess I would say I'm surprised. Our area is definitely conservative and I'm pleased with the reaction." Scott says both sides had their say this week. From his perspective protests at Chick-fil-A won't be an ongoing thing.
The local owner of Chick-fil-A declined to comment on Friday's protest.
